Indulge in the heavenly combination of bananas, cream and caramel in this delectable dessert. These mini banana cream pies are elevated with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, promising a tantalizing medley of savory and sweet. Delightfully easy to make, they are sure to impress at your next dinner party.
Photos of Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
This recipe includes a few ingredients that might not be a staple in every pantry such as graham cracker crumbs and salted caramel sauce. Graham cracker crumbs are available in the baking aisle of most supermarkets, while the salted caramel sauce can be found in the dessert condiment section. You can also make your own salted caramel sauce at home.
Ingredients for Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce
Milk: Used to create the creamy base for our pastry cream.
Heavy cream: Adds richness to the pastry cream and is also whipped for a fluffy topping.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and the crust.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness in dessert recipes.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard.
Egg: Adds structure and richness to the custard.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the custard.
Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sweet and crumbly crust.
Unsalted butter: Binds the crust ingredients together.
Salted caramel sauce: Gives a savory-sweet note to the dessert.
Bananas: The star ingredient, provides a natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
Bittersweet chocolate: Used for garnishing.
One reader, Filippo Gaskin says:
This mini banana cream pies with salted caramel sauce recipe is a game-changer! The creamy pastry, sweet bananas, and the touch of salted caramel make for a delightful treat. The combination of flavors is simply divine. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful dessert experience.
Techniques Required for Making Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce
How to prepare pastry cream: A step-by-step guide on making the creamy and smooth pastry cream, including the process of tempering the eggs and thickening the mixture.
How to make graham cracker crust: Instructions on creating the perfect graham cracker crust, from mixing the crumbs with sugar to pressing them into the dessert cups.
How to whip cream: A guide on whipping heavy cream to the right consistency for the topping, including tips for achieving soft and stiff peaks.
How to assemble mini banana cream pies: Step-by-step instructions on layering the graham cracker crust, pastry cream, banana slices, caramel sauce, and whipped cream to create the delightful mini pies.
How To Make Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce
Five layers of decadence make up these banana cream pies. It has a graham cracker crust, rich custard, smooth caramel sauce, fresh bananas, & whipped cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Pastry Cream:
- 2cupsmilk
- 1cupheavy cream
- ¾cupgranulated sugar,divided
- 1pinchsalt
- ¼cupcornstarch
- 1largeegg
- 2largeegg yolks
- 2tspvanilla extract
For Crust:
- 1⅓cupsgraham cracker crumbs,finely crushed, (10 full sheets)
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- ⅓cupunsalted butter,melted
For Toppings:
- ⅔cupsalted caramel sauce,(homemade or store bought)
- 1¾cupsheavy cream
- 3½tbspgranulated sugar
- 5bananas,sliced
- bittersweet chocolate,grated, optional
Instructions
Pastry Cream:
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In a medium saucepan combine milk, cream, ¼ cup sugar and salt. Bring mixture to a light boil over medium heat, while whisking to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let rest for several minutes.
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Meanwhile in a medium mixing bowl whisk together ½ cup sugar with cornstarch then add in egg and egg yolks. Using an electric hand mixer set on low speed whip mixture for 1 minute until pale and fluffy
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While whisking egg mixture, add ⅔ cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture. Then while whisking milk mixture in a saucepan pour egg mixture into saucepan.
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Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 4 to 8 minutes until it has thickened well, whisking vigorously near the end to prevent lumps.
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Mixture should become like a thick pudding, if it starts to separate remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer to smooth. Remove mixture from heat, stir in vanilla and immediately force through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium mixing bowl.
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Cover with plastic wrap, while pressing plastic directly on surface of pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in refrigerator for about 4 hours until chilled through.
Crust:
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In a mixing bowl whisk together graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until evenly moistened.
Whipped Cream Topping:
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In a large mixing bowl whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, add 3½ tablespoons sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to assemble then transfer to a large pastry bag fitted with a star pastry tip.
Assemble:
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Divide graham cracker mixture among 12 small dessert cups, adding about 2 tablespoons to each and gently press into an even layer. Add 3 banana slices over graham cracker layer in each.
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Transfer chilled pastry cream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe over banana layer.
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Add 3 more banana slices on top of each. Spoon a scant 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over second banana layer.
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Pipe whipped cream over caramel layer then sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired. Store in refrigerator up to 2 hours before serving and garnish with a banana slice just before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 474.28kcal
- Fat: 29.47g
- Saturated Fat: 17.36g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.01g
- Carbohydrates: 50.92g
- Fiber: 1.57g
- Sugar: 28.26g
- Protein: 4.62g
- Cholesterol: 138.77mg
- Sodium: 164.97mg
- Calcium: 108.23mg
- Potassium: 301.13mg
- Iron: 0.60mg
- Vitamin A: 309.83µg
- Vitamin C: 4.58mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting the Salted Caramel Sauce
When making the pastry cream, it's crucial to temper the egg mixture by gradually adding the hot milk mixture. This process prevents the eggs from cooking and curdling, which would result in a lumpy cream. Always remember to whisk constantly while adding the hot liquid to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. Additionally, when chilling the pastry cream, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface prevents a skin from forming, keeping your cream smooth and perfect for your mini banana cream pies.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mini Banana Cream Pies
Prepare the filling: Make the pastry cream a day in advance to save time on the day of serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set properly.
Prep the crust: Use store-bought graham cracker crusts instead of making your own to save time and effort.
Chill the cream: Chill the whipped cream in the refrigerator until ready to use to ensure it holds its shape when piped onto the mini pies.
Banana slicing: Slice the bananas in advance and store them in a bowl of lemon water to prevent browning, saving time during assembly.
Caramel sauce: Use store-bought salted caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch for a quick and convenient alternative.
Garnish prep: Prepare the chocolate shavings ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to use for easy garnishing.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a rich and creamy texture to the pastry cream, and it also adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the bananas well.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, providing a luscious texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the pastry cream.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, and it has a neutral flavor, making it a suitable substitute for thickening the pastry cream.
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs: For a gluten-free option, using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs will provide the same sweet and crunchy base for the mini banana cream pies.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter for the crust, providing a rich and slightly tropical flavor to the graham cracker crust.
salted caramel sauce - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer, providing a delicious alternative to salted caramel sauce for drizzling over the mini banana cream pies.
bittersweet chocolate - Substitute with cocoa powder: Cocoa powder can be used to add a rich chocolate flavor to the mini banana cream pies without the need for bittersweet chocolate, and it can be incorporated into the pastry cream or used as a dusting on top of the pies.
Presentation Ideas for Mini Banana Cream Pies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mini banana cream pies, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use delicate and precise movements to arrange the components with finesse, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating an artistic drizzle of the salted caramel sauce. Use a steady hand to create intricate patterns, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Emphasize balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the balance and symmetry of the mini banana cream pies on the plate. Ensure that the placement of each component is deliberate and visually appealing, creating a sense of harmony in the presentation.
Utilize fresh garnishes: Incorporate fresh, vibrant banana slices as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation. Carefully position the banana slices to complement the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Focus on precision: Precision is key in presenting the mini banana cream pies. Pay close attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that every detail is meticulously arranged to perfection.
Highlight the layers: Showcase the layers of the mini banana cream pies by presenting them in a transparent glass or dish, allowing the luscious pastry cream, caramel sauce, and banana slices to be visible, creating an enticing visual display.
Incorporate chocolate accents: Introduce bittersweet chocolate shavings as a sophisticated accent to the presentation. Use them sparingly to add a touch of richness and elegance to the overall plating.
Create a focal point: Design the presentation to have a focal point that draws the eye and captivates the senses. Whether it's a carefully placed banana slice or a drizzle of caramel, ensure there is a central element that commands attention.
Essential Tools for Making Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering.
Electric hand mixer: An electric hand mixer is a kitchen appliance used to blend, beat, and whip ingredients. It is handheld and typically has multiple speed settings.
Fine-mesh strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is a kitchen tool with a fine, closely woven mesh that is used to strain and separate solids from liquids, such as sifting flour or draining cooked vegetables.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, marinating, and storing food. It is an essential tool in cooking and baking.
Pastry bag: A pastry bag, also known as a piping bag, is a cone-shaped bag made from cloth, paper, or plastic that is used to pipe semi-solid foods by pressing them through a narrow opening at one end.
Star pastry tip: A star pastry tip is a metal piping tip with a star-shaped opening used to create decorative patterns and designs when piping whipped cream, frosting, or other soft mixtures.
Large round tip: A large round tip is a piping tip with a circular opening, used for piping and decorating pastries, cakes, and other desserts.
Strainer: A strainer is a kitchen tool with a perforated or mesh bottom used to separate solids from liquids, such as draining pasta or rinsing fruits and vegetables.
How To Store and Freeze Mini Banana Cream Pies
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for mini banana cream pies with salted caramel sauce:
- To store the assembled mini banana cream pies, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream and bananas may start to break down and become watery if stored for longer.
- If you want to make the components ahead of time, prepare the graham cracker crust, pastry cream, and salted caramel sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store the crust at room temperature in an airtight container, and keep the pastry cream and caramel sauce in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- To freeze the mini banana cream pies, assemble them as directed without adding the final whipped cream topping and banana garnish. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- When ready to serve the frozen pies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once thawed, add the whipped cream topping and fresh banana garnish before serving.
- Note that the texture of the bananas may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming softer and more mushy. The whipped cream topping may also lose some of its volume and stability after being frozen.
Random Fact About Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce
The recipe for mini banana cream pies with salted caramel sauce is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. The creamy pastry cream, made with a blend of milk, cream, and eggs, provides a luscious filling for the mini pies. The addition of salted caramel sauce adds a rich and indulgent touch, complementing the sweetness of the bananas and the whipped cream topping. This dessert is a perfect treat for those who enjoy the classic combination of bananas and caramel, and it's a great way to impress guests with individual-sized, beautifully presented pies.
Is Making Mini Banana Cream Pies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mini banana cream pies with salted caramel sauce recipe depends on the availability and prices of ingredients. While bananas and graham crackers are generally affordable, the heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract may increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe rates a solid 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable treat for a special occasion or a delightful dessert for a family gathering.
Are Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mini banana cream pies with salted caramel sauce recipe is a decadent dessert that, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe is high in calories, sugar, and fat, with ingredients like heavy cream, granulated sugar, and butter contributing to its indulgent nature. The use of refined sugars and saturated fats in the recipe can lead to various health concerns if consumed in excess, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:
- Replace some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or yogurt to reduce the overall fat content
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to decrease the amount of refined sugar in the recipe
- Opt for whole wheat graham crackers or a nut-based crust to increase the fiber content and provide a healthier base for the pies
- Reduce the amount of caramel sauce used or make a healthier version using dates and almond butter
- Incorporate more fresh fruit, such as additional banana slices or berries, to increase the nutritional value of the dessert
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth while being more mindful of your health. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a treat like this occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet is perfectly acceptable.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Mini Banana Cream Pie Recipe
The recipe for mini banana cream pies with salted caramel sauce is a delightful combination of creamy pastry, sweet bananas, and decadent caramel. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome for both experienced and novice bakers. The use of graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch to the creamy filling, and the addition of salted caramel sauce elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level. The final touch of whipped cream and chocolate shavings adds a beautiful and indulgent finish. This recipe is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
Enhance Your Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Mini Banana Cream Pies
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Mini Banana Cream Pies
Why trust this Mini Banana Cream Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a decadent combination of banana cream and salted caramel sauce, creating a luscious and indulgent dessert experience. The creamy pastry cream is made from scratch, ensuring a rich and velvety texture, while the graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch. With the addition of fresh bananas and a homemade whipped cream topping, this recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures. The meticulous instructions and attention to detail guarantee a successful outcome, earning the trust of users seeking a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
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